Matt Eberflus is no longer the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. This change comes right after a disappointing season where the Cowboys ranked last in points allowed per game and second to last in total yards allowed. Eberflus was let go just two days after the season wrapped up.
With this departure, the Cowboys are on the hunt for their fourth defensive coordinator in four years. Previous coordinators included Dan Quinn in 2023 and Mike Zimmer in 2024. Eberflus had a history with the Cowboys, serving as an assistant from 2011 to 2017, and his appointment seemed promising. Unfortunately, the defense never found its rhythm.
This season was historic—not in a good way. The Cowboys allowed an average of 30.1 points per game, with a troubling total of 511 points allowed. Since Jerry Jones became the owner in 1989, this marks the seventh time the defense has allowed over 400 points, which usually leads to a coordinator or scheme change.
Before the season, the Cowboys traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons and struggled with pass pressure, finishing with only 35 sacks—the lowest since 2020. The defense let rivals score over 30 points in nine games. On 91 out of 177 drives, opponents scored either a touchdown or field goal.
The Cowboys’ pass defense was also weak. Quarterbacks completed a staggering 68.5% of their passes. Even average quarterbacks found success against them. For instance, Russell Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns early in the season, showing just how vulnerable the defense was. Another game saw Justin Herbert, the most-sacked quarterback entering that match, go unchallenged during a crucial loss to the Chargers.
Though there was some improvement in run defense, it still came in at 23rd in the league, far from impressive. Eberflus acknowledged the failures but wouldn’t change his approach if given another chance. The inability to pressure the quarterback led to breakdowns in the secondary, allowing big plays far too often.
Dallas owner Jerry Jones expressed frustration with the defense but also noted that he didn’t place all the blame on Eberflus. In a bid for better stability, the Cowboys traded for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams mid-season, which initially helped, but the team couldn’t maintain that momentum later on. They also acquired linebacker Logan Wilson, but he didn’t play in a key late-season win.
The team’s future may lie in rebuilding. With two first-round picks in the upcoming draft and several starters hitting free agency, the Cowboys are set for significant changes. As fans and analysts watch closely, it’s clear that the Cowboys must address their defensive woes if they hope to improve next season.
For more on NFL coaching changes and defensive strategies, check out this report from ESPN.
